Powerful Benefits of Praying In Tongues

Tongues are powerful. Praying in tongues is even more powerful. Let's see the benefits of praying in tongues as given to us in the holy Bible.

Benefits of Praying In Tongues

Although many speak in tongues for the fun of it, tongues were not meant to be used for such purposes. There are deep and powerful spiritual benefits behind tongues. Today, we will learn the benefits of praying in tongues.
 
Speaking in tongues is a phenomenon of speaking in an unknown (or apparently heavenly) language. It is also known as glossolalia

The term glossolalia, is coined from two Greek words: glōssa (which is translated as language, tongue) and lalia (which means speech). 

The practice of speaking in tongues is prevalent among many Pentecostal and charismatic Christians. 

So much debate surrounds the act of speaking in tongues. Whether speaking in tongues is from God or not, is a hot topic in many Christian circles. 

This article is not another opinion on the debate concerning tongues. I believe we have been given enough in the holy scriptures, to be able to deduce the truth concerning the practice of speaking in tongues. 

What Does The Bible Say About Speaking In Tongues?


1 Corinthians 14:1-2 KJV
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. [2] For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

The Bible makes us understand that... 
  • Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift
  • It is a Heavenly language
  • When we speak in tongues, we speak mysteries to God

Is Speaking in Tongues nonsense?


There are people who think that speaking in tongues is nonsense. But if you check closely, you'll always find out that they are neither genuinely saved nor filled with the Holy Spirit

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Can you be taught to speak in tongues? 


Speaking in tongues is one of the spiritual gifts given to be Believer by the Holy Spirit. It is not a university course. Spiritual gifts cannot be taught. If it is taught and learned, then it's a false gift. 

You can be taught scriptures—that's alright. But no one should teach or accept to be taught how to speak in tongues. That's not in with scriptures

We've not seen anywhere in the Bible where it is said that the Apostles taught the new converts how to speak in tongues. We're told that people received the Holy Spirit and then began to speak in tongues.

Acts 10:44-47 KJV
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. [45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. [46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, [47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

The same thing had earlier happened to the Apostles on the day of Pentecost. They received the Holy Spirit together with the gift of tongues. 

Acts 2:4 KJV
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
 

Does Everyone With The Holy Spirit Speak In Tongues? 


No. Because not everyone with the Holy Spirit has the gift of tongues. Some churches will (emphatically) say that if a person does not speak in tongues, then they are not saved or haven't received the Holy Spirit. What they do next is to lay hands on and force the person to speak in tongues, or teach them how to speak in tongues. This is totally out of line with scriptures. 

It is because of this act of forcing people to speak in tongues that we have Christians today who do not have the Holy Spirit, yet they can speak in what is purported to be tongues. In our generation, even unsaved comedians can speak in tongues in their comedy skits and make a fun out of it. That's the result of denominations teachings people how to speak in false tongues. 

The popular notion that speaking in tongues is a valid evidence of the presence and infilling of the Holy Spirit is wrong. Having met many Spirit-filled Christians who manifest the Fruit of the Holy Spirit and operate mightily in other gifts of the Spirit (but do not have the gift of tongues), I can reaffirm that this notion is wrong. 

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 KJV
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. [8] For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; [9] To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; [10] To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: [11] But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Is Speaking In Tongues For Every Believer?


Not all Christians have the same spiritual gifts. God decides who He gives certain gifts to. The gift of tongues is no doubt a powerful gift, we should all desire it, ask God for it and receive it. That is the right way to get a spiritual gift. And we shouldn't use any spiritual gift as a yardstick to validate or invalidate another person's salvation. 

Difference Between Speaking In Tongues And Praying In Tongues


The gift of tongues come to the Believer as one or more of the following:

  • Diverse kinds of tongues
  • Interpretation of tongues
  • Tongues as a prayer language

When a Christian speaks in diverse kinds of tongues, their utterance can be understood and interpreted for the benefit of the listeners.  This is why some of the on-lookers were able to understand (in their own dialect) what the Apostles were saying in tongues on the day of Pentecost. Diverse kinds of tongues is scripturally approved for public use, with the availability of an interpreter (1 Corinthians 14:27-28). 

The ability to interpret tongues also falls under the gift of tongues family. There are Christians who have this gift and there are others who have it together with the first. 

Then, there is also the gift tongues as a prayer language. This gift is mainly for private use. 

Romans 8:26 KJV
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

When Christians gather to rattle in tongues, it is always nothing but the prayer language that is in use. This is uncalled for. The prayer language is not given for a public show-off, it has a higher purpose. It must be used productively. 

It is better if people pray more in tongues in their private space than in public. There's nothing to gain from roaring in tongues and sweating in church, while neglecting private prayer. Jesus rates this as hypocrisy (Matthew 6:6), it should be avoided at all cost. 

Benefits of Praying In Tongues


Do you have the gift of tongues as a prayer language? It is time to make the best use of it. 

1 Corinthians 14:4 KJV
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

First of all, let's understand that the above scripture talks about tongues as a prayer language. It is the prayer language that edifies the one who uses it. 

In the above scripture, the Holy Spirit let's us know that the one who prays in tongues edifies theirself. How does praying in tongues edify us? 

To edify means to: 
  • train
  • enlighten
  • cultivate
  • develop
  • improve
  • better
  • uplift
  • inculcate, etc. 

As you can see, 1 Corinthians 14:4 literally says that praying in tongues builds us up spiritually. 

  1. Praying in tongues equips and empowers our spirit-man, to enable us face the day-to-day challenges that a Christian must go through. 
  2. Praying in tongues keeps us connected and focused on God. In so doing, it helps hasten our spiritual growth. 
  3. Consistently praying in tongues kills carnality and makes us more spiritual. 
  4. Praying in tongues also helps us stay filled with the Holy Spirit. 
  5. Praying in tongues helps us subdue the Flesh and give the Holy Spirit the right of way to rule over us. 
  6. Praying in tongues is a powerful weapon against lukewarmness. Consistently praying in tongues evicts lukewarmness. 
  7. The prayer language is a powerful weapon that can be used in spiritual warfare against the kingdom of darkness.  

Please note that the benefits of praying in tongues as written here is not exhaustive. As a Christian, some things are better learned by experience. 

Is Praying In Tongues More Effective? 


Praying in tongues is definitely a more effective way of praying. It is like an upgrade to the Christian's prayer life. 

How Often Should One Pray In Tongues? 


We are instructed in the holy scriptures to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Pray in tongues as much as you can daily. 

Benefits of Praying In Tongues For Hours


There are Christians who have asked me whether there is any benefit attached to praying in tongues for hours. There are also those who make it a point of duty to nullify the need to pray in tongues for hours.

The fact is that people would rather choose to argue than apply something to their life and watch out for the result. So long it is not a sin to pray for hours, I don't get why a Christian shouldn't try it out.

You can start by praying in tongues for 30 minutes, then try lasting for an hour. Just don't do it carnally, do it with the intent of building up your spirit-man. Avoid distractions and concentrate. Set an alarm before you pray. If you were able to go for an hour, next time try going for an hour and a half. 

I'm sure if you do this for three days, you'll get the answer for yourself, on whether praying in tongues for hours is beneficial or not.

Final Thoughts On Praying In Tongues


There are many Christians out there who have tasted the power behind praying in tongues. Some of them have read or are reading this article. 

The gift of tongues is not better than all other gifts of the Holy Spirit. But it is a powerful gift that every Christian should have. 

This amazing "prayer language" is something every Christian should crave and get from God. If you don't have it and you want it, you should ask and receive from God.

Learned tongues are powerless. If the tongues you currently possess was learned, you should repent and ask God to give you the real gift.

Beloved, I trust that you learned something new by reading our article on benefits of praying on tongues

God bless you.

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